This week’s Weekly Heartbeat is headlined by a transformative $50 million gift to Mass General Brigham to empower the next generation of gene and cell therapy research, alongside a historic $42 million donation from MacKenzie Scott to Elizabeth City State University. Also featured is a record-breaking athletics gift to North Carolina A&T, a $10 million expansion of the Brody Scholars Program at East Carolina University, a $2.5 million Financial Success Center at Radford University, and a groundbreaking discovery of DNA-binding proteins by Durham University researchers.
$50M to Mass General Brigham for Gene and Cell Therapy Research
Mass General Brigham (MGB) has received a transformative $50 million gift from anonymous donors to shape the future of cancer care and discovery. Driven by deep gratitude for the compassionate and expert care provided by staff across the system, the donation will empower the next generation of gene and cell therapy research. The funds will be used to expand physical infrastructure, including a cell pharmacy and facilities for apheresis, and support the recruitment of world-class physician-scientists. Read more here.
$42M from MacKenzie Scott to Elizabeth City State University
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has gifted a transformational $42 million to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). Announced during the university’s 135th-anniversary Founders Day Convocation, the donation stands as the largest dollar-per-student gift to an HBCU among Scott’s recent contributions. The funds will accelerate ECSU’s newly launched ASCEND 2030 strategic plan by creating endowed scholarships, advancing innovative academic programs, and supporting critical academic, athletic, and residential infrastructure. Read more here.
Researchers Discover Extreme DNA-Binding Proteins to Improve Disease Diagnosis
An international research team, led by scientists from Durham University, has identified new DNA-binding proteins from extreme environments that could significantly improve rapid disease testing. By analyzing genetic material from Icelandic volcanic lakes and deep-sea vents, the team discovered highly robust proteins that remain stable under harsh conditions. When applied to medical diagnostic methods like LAMP tests, these newly discovered proteins produced faster and more sensitive results, allowing for the quicker detection of viral infections, as well as bacterial and parasitic diseases. Read more here.
$10M to East Carolina University to Expand Brody Scholars Program
David and Laura Brody, along with Hyman and Stacy Brody, have made a transformational $10 million gift to East Carolina University and the ECU Health Foundation. The donation will expand the prestigious Brody Scholars Program, which provides full tuition and fees for medical students committed to serving North Carolina’s rural and underserved communities. In recognition of the family’s decades-long support, ECU will name its new instructional facility the Brody Center for Medical Education when it opens for the 2027-28 academic year. Read more here.
Record-Breaking Gift to North Carolina A&T Athletics
Geoff and Tonya Foster, founders of Core Technology Molding Corp., have made the largest single donation by an individual or couple in the history of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Athletics. The historic gift will name the university’s football field and the adjacent fieldhouse, wellness, and training center. Read more here.
$2.5M to Radford University to Establish Financial Success Center
Virginia Credit Union has gifted $2.5 million to Radford University to establish the Virginia Credit Union Financial Success Center. Housed within the Davis College of Business and Economics, the new campus-based hub will open during the 2026-27 academic year to advance financial well-being for students, alumni, and residents across the New River and Roanoke valleys. Read more here.
